The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken action against the alleged illegal sale of confidential telecom subscriber data by filing a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore against individuals suspected of operating the network.

According to a PTA press release, the complaint prompted an enforcement operation by NCCIA Lahore, during which three suspects were arrested. Authorities also recovered five mobile phones, eight Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices and 43 suspicious SIM cards from their possession.

The PTA said forensic analysis of the seized devices revealed WhatsApp conversations allegedly linked to the unauthorized sale of sensitive telecom subscriber information. The recovered material included call detail records, subscriber and IMEI data, location information, fingerprint and CNIC records, as well as evidence of financial transactions related to the alleged operation.

Following the raid, police registered an FIR against the suspects, and further investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the network and identify any other people involved.

The telecom regulator said it remains committed to protecting the confidentiality of subscriber data and will continue working with law enforcement agencies to stop illegal activities involving sensitive customer information.